Real-life heroes who saved dozens of people from our seas, lakes and rivers in the past year were honoured yesterday at a special ceremony.

The Water Safety Association’s Just In Time Award honoured 37 brave men, women and children who risked their own lives to save others.

At an intimate ceremony at St George’s Hall in Dublin Castle, the quick-thinking heroes were acknowledged for their bravery.

From members of An Garda Siochana who threw themselves into a bitterly cold lake, to a brave dad who pulled four siblings from a horrifying rip-current, heroes of all shapes and sizes were there to collect an award. One lucky attendee was Donegal teenager Sarah Hill, who was staring death in the face when she fell while climbing a cliff close to Creevy Pier in Co Donegal.

Oisin and Sean came to her aid and hauled her safely out of the water, while Patrick and Michael ran for help.

Speaking before the event, Sarah’s mother, Patricia told the Irish Mirror how grateful she was that the lads were so quick to act.

She said: “They were brilliant to think so quickly. It was all down to their live-saving training.

“They 100% deserve to have their bravery recognised here today.” Another humble hero who was quick to spring into action was Tony Stack – who saved four children from a deadly current at Paulgorm, Co Kerry.

The kids, aged between four and 14, were in danger of being swept away when Tony pounced into action.

He explained: “Being from the area, I’m perfectly aware of how lethal the currents are there. The kids wouldn’t have stood a chance if it ripped them away.

“I just knew I had better get in there fast before it was too late. I’m so happy I did and that I managed to save them.”

Quick-thinking garda Mark Irwin was also honoured alongside his colleagues Stephen Corrigan and John Boyle. Mr Irwin was involved in two astonishing rescues, the second of which occurred last year in Westport, Co Mayo, when he noticed a car plunging 15ft in Knappaghbeg Lough.

The determined garda entered the murky depths and managed to manoeuvre his hand to hold the person’s head above water until the fire brigade came.

But despite his heroics, Mr Irwin insisted he was just acting on instinct. He said: “You don’t have too much time to think. You just act on that little bit of instinct you have.

“I definitely don’t feel like a hero and I’m just happy it was a positive result both times. I’d have no hesitation doing it again if the situation arose.” Less than six months later, Colm Moloney and Darren Mullins were in Courtown Harbour in Co Wexford when the former noticed a woman shouting for help.

He immediately radioed his friends from Courtown Sailing Club for help, but when he noticed there were three young boys struggling, he entered the water without hesitation.

The two lads then helped get all three safely back to shore.

Colm explained: “You don’t have time to think you just do whatever you need to do.

“It’s about being in the right place at the right time but you just need to get these people out of danger as quickly as possible.”

Before the ceremony started, Natural Resources Minister Fergus O’Dowd, praised the tireless work of the IWS volunteers. He said: “We’re taking the time out to acknowledge the amazing feat of the people who had the ability and presence of mind to think actively and save lives.”

The minister also spoke of the urgent need for a warm weather plan to be put in place to help reduce water deaths.

He added: “We have a weather plan in place for frost and ice so we must get a serious and effective plan in place for heat-waves so we can do everything possible to reduce fatalities.

“Given the commitment of the IWS and the increase in funding that’s coming in 2014, I’m confident more lives can be saved.”

Long-service awards were also presented to 29 special volunteers, who between them have provided 670 years of service to the IWS.